BLIND MAN AWARD

Blind Man's Pillow Award

                Mr. Mathurin has been blind ever since Haiti Mission, Inc. began working in Haiti.  His pitiful hut was just off the side of the road as one passed the air strip in our village that serves Jeremie.  Year after year we would pass, see him sitting in the doorway on a log that served as his pillow and his only chair.  We would always stop and visit, leaving him a gift of food and a little cash and praying with him that somehow we could get him out of the dirt and mud that served as the floor where he stayed.  In order to protect himself from the torrents that would rush through his dwelling, there were large rocks everywhere inside on which he could stand.  However, nothing could stop the rain from leaking and sometimes pouring through the rusty, rapidly deteriorating tin that served as his roof.

                What a joy it was to finally be able to raise enough money to build Mr. Mathurin a new home.  Words cannot express the emotions we felt the day the HMI delegation dedicated his new home and led him up the front steps to receive the keys.  He praised and thanked God over and over again for this mighty blessing.  Friends and neighbors quickly destroyed the old hut that was in the front yard, leaving only the old log that was in the doorway.  Deacon Lloyd asked Mr. Mathurin if he could have the log as a memento of where he used to live.

                On returning to the US with Mr. Mathurin’s log, it soon became clear that this was to be a special reminder of all that HMI was and is.  This “Blind Man’s Pillow” represented our response to the cry of the poor. So many people have worked with HMI to bring hope and help to the people of Haiti.  Only Almighty God can thank them for all they have done.  In an attempt to recognize their efforts and offer them thanks from the people of Haiti and the donors here in the US, it was decided that this “traveling trophy” would be the Lombardi Trophy of HMI.

                The following are the recipients of the award.  Mesi, Mesi, Mesi  Anpil! (thank you, thank you, thank you very much) for all you have done.  Ak Renmen (with Love), Haiti Mission, Inc.

 Mr. Mathurin – Before and After   

(He passed away in February 2019)

 

Recepients:

August 2023           Justin & Elizabeth Cortec 

Apr 2023                     Sue Blanchard

May 2022                Cathy Weimer

July 2019                Darian Cheramie      Darian's Story

July 2018                 Sharon Davis

July 2017                 Sandra & Richard Picou

June 2016                 Hilton & Mable Michel

May 2015                  Bill Winkley      HMI OFI Story

Mar-Apr 2015          Jamie Orr

Jan-Feb 2015           Chris and Barb Runstedler

April-May 2014        Shane and Tracy Duplantis

Mar-Apr 2014          Elaine Ables

Sept-Oct 2013         Rudy Soignet

Aug-Sept 2012        Susan Brazan

June-July 2012       Mary Louviere

Mar-April 2012       Herb and Dianne Blanchard

Jan-Feb 2012         Charles and Gretchen Caillouet

Nov-Dec 2011        The Schonacher Family

Sept-Oct 2011       Joseph Schonacher

July-Aug 2011       Joanne Frederick

May-June 2011      Fr. Pat O'brien

Mar-April 2011      Jay and Becky Conner

Jan-Feb 2011        David and Laura Fakier     Rebecca's Story

Dec 2011               In memory of Brenda Fremin

Oct-Nov  2010      Gary and Louise Lirette

Aug-Sept 2010     Don and Chris Robinson

Jun-Jul 2010        Ken and Yolanda Trahan

Apr-May 2010      Marian Schwab

Feb-Mar 2010      Brenda Fanguy Sonier

Dec-Jan 2010      Ronnie and Betty Thomas

Oct-Nov 2009      Jeanette Naquin              Mrs. Jeanette's Story

Aug-Sept 2009    Pete and Charlene Cavalier